The women-centric hackathon @ Rutgers

February 18-19, 2017 // Cook Student Center // New Brunswick, NJ

About

HackHERS is the annual, women-centric hackathon at Rutgers University, organized by Rutgers Women in Computer Science and The Douglass Project. We want to create a space in which women can explore tech culture and be empowered to create with code, and we invite everyone to help us achieve that.

For 24 hours, students come together and get involved in learning, planning, and developing projects–ranging from web applications to hardware hacks–with the ultimate goal of fostering growth and productivity among women who want to code.

**We use the inclusive definition of “women” and “female” and we welcome trans women, genderqueer women, and non-binary people.

FAQ

What is a hackathon?

A hackathon is an event where curious people get together to work on developing software projects in a short amount of time, usually anywhere between 24-36 hours. Participants form a team, come up with an idea, plan it, and then implement the code for it.

What is a women-centric hackathon, and why have a women-centric hackathon?

HackHERS is a hackathon geared towards women, but we are not women-exclusive. We allow people of all genders to participate because closing the gender gap in technology is an issue that everyone needs to partake in.

There are so many reasons why more women should be involved in tech, yet there are still barriers present to this day that contribute to underrepresentation. If we started including more women in tech, productivity will not only increase, but also the availability of solutions and products will increase with a diverse workforce. We want to emulate such an environment within HackHERS.

I identify as a male—does that mean I can attend then?

Yes! It is very important to us that all genders work together and build awesome projects!

I don’t have any coding experience, can I still participate?

OF COURSE! A hackathon provides the perfect environment to learn how to code. As long as you have an open mind and are willing to learn, we guarantee you will get something out of it. We also tailor HackHERS to be beginner-friendly, so we will be providing workshops all throughout the day, and there will be volunteer and mentors ready to answer any questions you may have.

I don’t feel comfortable going in without some experience...

We understand, and we got you! Every year, we host a series of workshops about a week before HackHERS called "Pre-HackHERS", in which we cover topics such as basic web development, how to use git and github, etc. We also provide professional development workshops as well. More details about Pre-HackHERS 2017 will be released on our Facebook page.

Where will HackHERS take place?

HackHERS will take place at the Cook Student Center (formerly know as Cook Campus Center) in the Cook/Douglass campus of Rutgers University – New Brunswick. Click here for directions.

If you are planning on driving, there will be event parking available. Non-Rutgers students may park at Lot 76 or Lot 99A. Rutgers students with registered vehicles are NOT allowed to park in these lots.

Is there a code of conduct?

Yes. As an MLH member event, we abide by and uphold the MLH Code of Conduct. The tl;dr is to treat everyone with respect and harassment and abuse will not be tolerated under any circumstances. HackHERS is meant to be welcoming event to everyone.

Do I need a team?

Totally up to you! You do not have to come to HackHERS with a predetermined team; however, we still do encourage team work (it is a valuable skill!) and meeting new people. If you are worried you will not have a team before the hackathon, we will be providing a team-building event the day of.

Please note though that you can only have up to four members on a team.

Can I come if I am still in high school?

Unfortunately, due to Rutgers policy, we cannot allow high schoolers to attend HackHERS :( however we will still encourage and support you to learn and build to your heart’s content on your own! You are more than welcome to email us and ask any questions about how to get started.

How much will it cost?

HackHERS is 100% FREE! That includes admission, food, swag, etc. You do not have to pay anything for anything, we just ask that you come with an open mind, put in honest effort, and have a positive attitude :)

What about travel/reimbursements?

Unfortunately, due to Rutgers administration policy, we are unable to provide travel reimbursements or buses to HackHERS :( We are willing to work with you and/or your group to arrange cheap travel to the event.

What should I bring?

We will be checking ID's, so please remember to bring your student ID and/or government-issued ID. Because this is an overnight event, you may want to bring a sleeping bag, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a change of clothes. You should also bring a laptop, and if you have one, an extension cord.

What is with the dinosaur?

Diano is our mascot, and she isn't just any dinosaur. She's a dinosaur that hacks. Why wouldn't you love a dinosaur that also hacks?

I've been seeing people change their profile picture to the Diano filter. Where can I get that filter for my profile picture?

Check out diano-fy! Support HackHERS by Diano-fying your social media profile pictures!

My question is not on here!

Feel free to email us at rutgers.hackhers@gmail.com with any further questions you may have and we will get back to you as soon as possible!